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Nicole Monsalve Rios

2,957

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Nicole Monsalve and I am an 18-year-old immigrant and the first generation in my family to not only graduate high school but also attend college. I came to the U.S. at the age of 10 due to my mom's marriage to my step-dad, though the marriage did not last long me and my mom were already residents so we decided to stay, mainly to give me a better chance at an education. From the age of 14, I began working to ease the load for my mom. Learning to balance school with adult life problems was never easy; however, I was driven by love. The love I pour into everything I do to this day still drives me to do more. I believe I can make a big change in the world and with the proper education, my goal becomes much easier to achieve.

Education

Full Sail University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Music
  • GPA:
    4

Barbara Goleman Senior High

High School
2020 - 2024
  • GPA:
    3.6

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Music
    • Engineering, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Test scores:

    • 1210
      SAT

    Career

    • Dream career field:

      Music

    • Dream career goals:

      Learn how to music as a way of making people closer and build connections.

    • Performer of cultural music

      Spanish Honors Society
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Dancing

    Club
    2010 – 20188 years

    Research

    • Bible/Biblical Studies

      Church — Provide my interpretation of the bible while also listening to other peoples interpretation.
      2023 – Present

    Arts

    • Music school

      Music
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Spanish Honors Society — Entretain the people and bring joy to their day through music
      2023 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Everett J. Collins, Jr. Music Scholarship
    Music is my lifeline. I call it my lifeline because without it I wouldn't be the way I am today. I use music for everything in my day-to-day life! It has a role in every part of my day, from helping me focus and unwind to socializing and expressing myself. Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Music isn’t just a background thing or a hobby for me; it’s a powerful tool that has shaped my life in many ways. One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had with music was when I began using it to cope with anxiety and depression. In moments of overwhelming stress, music became my escape-goat. It helped me breathe, calm down, and regain control of myself. This was the moment when music stopped being just a soundtrack to my life and became an intentional tool I used to pick myself up. It was this shift that inspired me to not only use music to help myself but also to connect with and uplift others. Whether I’m performing or composing, I always aim to make my audience feel emotions, knowing that music has the power to touch people’s hearts and bring them joy, comfort, or even peace. Over the past 6-7 years, I’ve been performing, and for the last three years, I’ve been composing music. While I’m proud of these accomplishments, I don’t want to stop there. I want to master all aspects of the music industry. I want to understand production—both audio and show production—because I know that behind every hit there’s a team of professionals who bring it to life. I’m driven to learn every piece of the puzzle so that I can create music that connects with people. My goal is to impact the world by using music for more than just entertainment. I want it to be a source of comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a fun and spiritual experience for worship, or a moment where someone feels truly heard and understood. I think music has the power to speak to people in ways that words cannot, and I want to expand its reach so that everyone has a song or sound they can relate to. I’m passionate about bringing joy to people’s lives through music, and I believe it has the potential to transform people, communities, and even the world. In my journey, I want to create spaces where people can connect with music in meaningful ways. Whether they’re seeking comfort, celebration, or simply a sense of belonging, I want to be there to provide that experience through the music I create. I'm passionate and positive that I can bring music all around the world, not just as a hobby, but as a tool to bring out the life and joy in people. Finally, I believe that music has the power to unite people across cultures, languages, and differences. That’s the impact I want to make in the world, one song at a time.
    Udonis Haslem Foundation BDJ40 Scholarship
    When it comes to mental health anxiety has profoundly shaped my life; alongside, molded my core beliefs and values, affected my relationships, and influenced my career aspirations. Through these struggles, I've become mentally stronger, developed valuable coping strategies, and learned the importance of communication and support systems. Anxiety often introduces self-doubt and the urge to avoid tasks, but it has also motivated me to prove I’m capable despite said challenges, a strong motivator to excel in whatever career path I choose. These challenging moments, where I had to talk myself out of an anxiety attack, have made me mentally tougher and wiser. I’ve become more resilient and a go-getter as well as adopted the philosophy that "I can do it as long as I am calm." This mindset serves as a reminder to stay calm and rational, as all problems have a solution if you have a clear mind. Consequently, practices such as therapy, mindfulness, and meditation have become essential parts of my life, helping me maintain mental clarity and emotional balance. A significant turning point in my mental health journey was finding the right therapist. Initially, it was challenging to find someone who made me feel safe and understood. However, once I did, my mindset shifted, making decision-making and overall life management easier. Support systems such as therapy and family have been invaluable in my mental health journey. Therapy, in particular, has provided a safe space to explore my thoughts and feelings, while my family has offered support. I’ve developed effective coping strategies, including communication and meditation. These strategies have become essential tools in managing anxiety. Anxiety has inevitably affected my relationships with family, friends, and partners. There have been rough patches, especially when I struggled to ground myself and let my emotions take over. However, these situations also led me to seek out patient and understanding individuals who provide a supportive environment. While it is my responsibility to manage my reactions, having a support system has made it significantly easier. Additionally, I’m constantly looking to improve my communication skills, which are crucial for expressing my needs and feelings effectively. Facing and overcoming anxiety attacks has made me believe in my mental resilience. I’ve learned to think rationally even in the face of trouble, turning potential obstacles into new opportunities. I’ve also learned about a healthy work-life balance and became aware of the dangers of overworking and the importance of taking breaks. This awareness ensures that I prioritize my well-being alongside my professional ambitions. In conclusion, my experiences with mental health have deeply influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. They’ve made me mentally stronger, taught me the value of calmness and rationality, and emphasized the importance of supportive relationships and effective communication. These experiences have also shaped my approach to career planning, highlighting the necessity of a balanced life. Through it all, the support of therapy and family, along with my coping strategies, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of anxiety and emerging more resilient.
    CML Music Scholarship
    My passion for music comes from my childhood and upbringing. Growing up, music was a constant in my day-to-day life with my family, even outside of celebrations, and I developed respect and appreciation for its power. Music is more than just sound; it's an international language that can affect people's moods, personalities, and bring diverse groups together. This exposure from a young age led me to fall in love with music, and this love has only grown over the years. I have dedicated the past six years to perfecting my singing and performing skills. This journey has been a significant part of my life, shaping not just my abilities but also my character. I've looked for numerous opportunities to showcase my talents and strengthen my knowledge of music. I participated in various performances, including Spanish Heritage events and talent shows, where I could share my passion with others. One of the most memorable experiences was performing at an LA talent showcase which allowed me to perform for professionals in the music industry and connect with other musicians. The thrill of performing for people who also appreciate and understand music was life-changing, and it reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field. I want to explore multiple areas of the music industry. Currently, I’m focused on composing and performing, but I plan to expand my knowledge by earning a bachelor's degree in sound engineering. This educational path will enable me to broaden my horizons and deepen my technical knowledge. To date, I have taken significant steps towards achieving my goals. I have led numerous live performances and taken singing lessons to perfect my skills. In September 2024, I’ll start my formal education in sound engineering, a step that I believe will be pivotal in my career. My long-term vision is to establish my own production company. I want to create a space where new talents can record their music, regardless of their current following or fan base. By providing this platform, I hope to ease the growth and diversity of the music industry, helping new voices to be heard. My personal experience with music education in grade school was challenging. My school did not offer any music electives, which meant I had to look outside to pursue my interests. This lack of support made it difficult for my family to provide the help I needed because outside resources tend to be expensive. Thinking back, I firmly believe that music education should be part of the grade school curriculum. Music education is crucial for young students for several reasons. First, it offers students a creative outlet and the opportunity to explore different interests, which in today's rapidly changing world is essential. Many students struggle to pick a career, and exposure to music can provide them with a sense of direction and purpose. Furthermore, the benefits of music education go beyond just learning to play an instrument or sing. Academically, music enhances one's abilities and improves performance in other subjects. Socially, it brings students together, creating a sense of community and collaboration. Emotionally, music provides self-expression and can be a grounding tactic for managing stress and anxiety. In conclusion, my desire to pursue a music career comes from a lifelong passion and a commitment to expanding my skills and knowledge. At the same time, I recognize the long-lasting impact that music education can have on young students and advocate for its inclusion in grade schools. By building a love for music from an early age, we can inspire the next generation of musicians and create a more harmonious world.